1. What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry, often called simply “Masonry,” is a modern version of the ancient Mysteries that offers a way by which we can contact the highest within ourselves. The way of Freemasonry is a particular pattern of living expressed by symbols, dramatic action, and allegorical stories. It emphasizes self-improvement by service to others through recognition of the spiritual reality called “God” and by many other names in various cultures around the world. 🔝

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2. What do Freemasons do?

Freemasons meet together regularly for dramatic ceremonies that express the ideals of Freemasonry, for shared study of Freemasonic symbols and their inner or esoteric meaning, and for social contact. They also do their best to practice the Masonic ideals in their lives. 🔝

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3. What are the Masonic ideals?

The Masonic ideals are summed up in three expressions: brotherly love, relief, and truth. Brotherly love is the ideal of how we should treat all other human beings—as members of one family. And in this context, “brotherly” does not mean “pertaining to males” but rather “pertaining to human beings as equal members of the same family - the human species.” Relief is the obligation we have, as members of the same human family, to help one another to the best of our ability and within the limits of our most immediate responsibilities. Truth is the ultimate value and reality of life, which we are all searching for and which is expressed in many different ways in various cultures, but is not limited to any single culture, philosophy, or system of thought. 🔝

 

4. Is there more than one Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is divided into many varieties. Some of those varieties differ from one another in their particular Masonic practices, such as “Scottish Rite” and “York Rite” Masonry. Some are associated with particular geographical regions. But all genuine Freemasonic groups share the Freemasonic ideals and the basic symbols and dramatic ceremonies, though the latter may be expressed in varying forms. 🔝

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5. What is Co-Freemasonry and how does it differ from other Freemasonry?

Co-Freemasonry is a form of Masonry that admits men and women equally, as it also does persons of all races, religions, and ethnic or social groups. That is its special characteristic, but there are several varieties of Co-Freemasonry, just as there are several varieties of exclusively masculine or feminine Freemasonry. Some groups of Co-Freemasonry are found only in one country, while others are international. Some are concerned primarily with social matters. The Eastern Order of International Co-Freemasonry is especially devoted to the inner or spiritual aspects of Masonry, in the tradition of the ancient Mysteries. It is called “Eastern” because the East is the source of Light, and light symbolizes the divine wisdom, strength, and beauty to which Freemasons aspire. 🔝

 

6. How does Freemasonry relate to the Ancient Mysteries?

Aristotle said that the ancient Mysteries were not about acquiring information, but about experiencing something and being changed by the experience. He also said that the Mysteries involved something shown, something told, and something done. Similarly, Freemasonry has no body of teachings but instead offers the experience of its ceremonies as a way of changing ourselves, in a process comparable to what is called “analysis” or “individuation” in some varieties of psychology, “transformation” in alchemy, and “enlightenment” or “metanoia” in some religions. The way it offers that experience is through symbolic objects that it shows, allegorical legends that it tells, and dramatic ceremonies that it performs. 🔝

 

7. Is Freemasonry a religion?

Certainly not. It is, however, concerned with the ultimate values of human life, and so might be called “religious” in a broad sense of that term. Freemasonry works “to the glory of the Great Architect of the Universe (a poetic expression for the cosmic intelligence that guides the world and everything in it) and to the perfection (or evolutionary development) of humanity.” But Freemasonry is not a religion, and Freemasons belong to the many various religions of the world or to none at all. Freemasons may be Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, Confucians, or various other religionists; or they may have no specific religious affiliation. That is the choice of each individual Freemason. 🔝

 

8. Do Freemasons have to believe in God?

Freemasons must profess a belief in an intelligence that guides the world, called “God” in English. However, Freemasons are not required to hold any particular beliefs about that guiding intelligence or to conceive of it in any particular way. Some may think of it as a personal deity, whereas others think of it as an impersonal godhead, a divine power that orders all things. The language we use about it is like most of our language, especially about the most important things in life: it is poetical, metaphorical, or figurative. Freemasons conceive of “God” in a variety of ways, according to their backgrounds. The way all of us talk about “God,” the ultimate intelligence of the universe, is necessarily symbolic. In Freemasonry, various metaphorical

expressions are used, such as “The Great Architect of the Universe.” Freemasons believe that cosmic intelligence is real, though we think of it and name it variously. 🔝

 

9. What is the significance of the term “Freemasonry”?

Freemasonry developed among groups of persons who either practiced the craft of stonemasonry or were interested in the theory and symbolism of the building trades. The fundamental symbol of Freemasonry is King Solomon’s Temple and the legends that have grown up about its construction. So various tools and actions of stonemasonry are interpreted symbolically in Freemasonry. That explains why it is called “Masonry.” We no longer know exactly why it is called “free.” One theory is that Freemasons are not limited in their beliefs, but are free to learn and grow through whatever good means they prefer and that they respect the right of others to that same freedom. Another theory is that this symbolic Masonry is intended to free us from the limitations of our lower natures and to make us spiritually free by connecting us to our higher Selves. 🔝

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10. What goes on in a Masonic meeting?

Masonic meetings may include any or all of three activities. The central event is a dramatic ceremony or ritual, dealing with legendary events in the building of King Solomon’s Temple, which are interpreted allegorically. Meetings usually also include business activities of the sort any organization has to have. And they often involve some study or discussion of the symbolism and practices of Freemasonry. A Masonic meeting may be followed by a social time that includes eating together and conversation. 🔝

 

11. What is expected of a Freemason?

Freemasons are expected to try to live humanely—that is, to work at improving themselves, to look for ways they can help others, to respect differing views, and to keep their promises. They also promise to attend all meetings of their Lodge unless there is some urgent reason that prevents them from doing so. 🔝

 

12. What is the origin of Freemasonry?

The exact origins of Freemasonry are now lost in history, and there are also legendary origins of the “Craft,” as Freemasons often call it. It seems, however, from the historical records as though a craft organization of stone workers in the Renaissance attracted the participation of some gentle folk who were interested in architecture or building, both as a practical craft and for its symbolic associations. Over time, the symbolic aspects became more pronounced and the “speculative” members interested in the symbols became more numerous than the “operative” members, who were actual stonemasons. This may have happened first in Scotland, but it was in London in 1717 that a number of such “speculative” Lodges banded together to form a Grand Lodge, which was the beginning of organized Freemasonry as we know it. 🔝

 

13. Are there any deeper roots of Freemasonry?

The early “speculative” Freemasons seem to have been interested in a variety of yet earlier forms of thought, especially the symbolic interpretation of pictures and of geometry and what is sometimes called the “perennial philosophy.” Such interests connect Freemasonry thematically with a number of movements from antiquity through the Middle Ages and later: the Greek and Near Eastern Mysteries, the Pythagorean School, Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, Hermeticism, the Knights Templar, the Kabbalah, and the Rosicrucians, to name only some. 🔝

 

14. Is Freemasonry a secret sect?

Freemasonry is not a sect at all. A sect is a religious group, especially one that has split off from some other group. Freemasonry is not a religious group of any kind. Nor is it secret. Freemasons have never sought to keep the existence of Freemasonry a secret. They have not generally advertised themselves, but neither have they sought to hide. Freemasonry is an organization that has certain secrets—particularly certain signs, words, actions, and symbols used only among members of the group. 🔝

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15. What is the purpose of the Masonic “secrets”?

On the most mundane level, to share a secret is to bond together. Families have “secrets” - things known only to members of the family that help to unite them. In that way, Masonic secrets are a bonding device. They are symbols of the fact that the most important things in life cannot be spoken or communicated directly. The really great and moving experiences of life are ones we cannot put into words or tell another about. If two persons have had similar deeply moving experiences, they can communicate about them indirectly by symbols, which are secrets to anyone who has not shared the experience. Masonic secrets are like that—symbols of the deeply moving experience that Masonry provides. They are the outer visible signs of an inner invisible reality. 🔝

 

16. Is Freemasonry occult or esoteric?

Freemasonry is certainly not “occult” in the recent popular meaning of that term referring to fortune telling, diabolism, the supernatural, and the like. But the original meaning of the word “occult” was “hidden” or “secret,” just as the literal meaning of “esoteric” is “inner” or “for the initiated.” As already said, Freemasonry has its secrets, which are for those initiated into it. 🔝

 

17. Does Freemasonry engage in political activity?

No. Although individual Freemasons have the right to belong to whatever political party they like or to none, just as they do to whatever religion they like or to none, the Freemasonic Order has no political aims or interests. Freemasons are expected to obey the laws of the country in which they live, to give allegiance to its government, and to work in a lawful manner for any social changes they espouse. There is a longstanding tradition that, when Freemasons meet, they do not discuss religion or politics, in order that the diversity of opinion among them on those subjects may not become a source of dissension. 🔝

 

18. How many forms of Freemasonry are there?

Throughout the world, there are many different Masonic organizations or “Obediences.” Even in the United States within masculine Freemasonry, each of the states has its own Grand Lodge, which governs the local Lodges in that state. These Grand Lodges recognize one another and agree not to intrude on each other’s territory, but they are autonomous. Then there is a form of Freemasonry called “Prince Hall Masonry,” which is especially for African Americans, who at one time were excluded from many masculine Lodges. There are also some groups that admit only women. And there are some that admit both men and women and people of all races, most notably Co-Freemasonry. 🔝

 

19. Is Co-Masonry like the Eastern Star, which admits both men and women?

No. The Eastern Star is an adjunct organization to exclusively masculine Masonry, intended primarily for the wives and daughters of Freemasons, but also including some men. It has its own ceremonies, but they are completely different from those of traditional Freemasonry. Co-freemasonry follows the traditional Masonic rites and practices. Any masculine Mason who attends a Co-Masonic meeting will recognize it as essentially similar to his own practice. 🔝

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20. Can a person be a member of both the masculine Freemasons and the Co-Masons?

Co-Freemasonry respects the masculine Orders and may admit as a visitor any of their members who can prove (by a dues receipt or the like) that they are in good standing in a regular masculine Lodge. It may also admit as an affiliated member a masculine Freemason who applies and meets its requirements. Masculine Grand Lodges, however, in general, do not permit their members to join or participate in a Masonic body that admits women. 🔝

 

21. When and how did Co-Freemasonry begin?

On January 14, 1882, a woman named Marie Deraismes was initiated into a French masculine Lodge called appropriately “Les Libres Penseurs” (The Free Thinkers), but because of opposition, that Lodge ceased to function. On April 4, 1893, Dr. Georges Martin, a French Senator and advocate of equal rights for women, joined Marie Deraismes and other male Masons in founding in Paris La Grande Loge Symbolique Écossaise de France, Le Droit Humain (Scottish Symbolic Grand Lodge, Human Rights). They initiated, passed, and raised sixteen prominent French women. In 1902 Annie Besant, a prominent English social activist and Theosophist, entered Co-Masonry and quickly became the leader of English-speaking Co-Masons. Under her guidance and inspiration, Co-Masonry spread around the world and restored certain traditional Masonic practices that had been omitted from French usage. 🔝

 

22. What is a “rite” as in “Scottish Rite” and “York Rite” mentioned earlier (question 4)?

The basis of all Freemasonry is the Craft system of three Degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason), and anyone who has taken these three Degrees is a full-fledged Mason. However, in addition to the three Craft Degrees, there are several other series of Degrees. The two most widely practiced of these systems of additional or higher Degrees are those of the Scottish Rite and the York Rite. “Rite” in this sense is a particular system consisting of set forms of ceremonial words and actions. In addition to the three Craft Degrees, Co-Freemasonry works such Scottish Rite Degrees as Rose-Croix and Knights Kadosh, and other Degrees through the Thirty-Third, which is the highest and last Degree of the Scottish Rite. It also works the Mark Degree, Royal Ark Mariner, Holy Royal Arch, and Knights Templar. 🔝

 

23. Is special clothing worn at a Masonic meeting?

In regular Craft Lodge meetings, each member of the Lodge wears an “apron,” which is an ornamental version of a garment worn by operative stonemasons in former days. It has symbolic meanings. The dress code of each Lodge varies according to the established practice in the particular country. 🔝

 

24. What happens at a Masonic initiation?

The initiation is a formal, ceremonial introduction of a new member into the Masonic Order, during which certain customs and “secrets” of Freemasonry are explained to the new member. It is something like a drama in which the person being initiated is the central character. To experience the full effect of an initiation, it is best not to try to find out about it in advance. The word “initiation” means literally “the process of going in.” It is best to enter Freemasonry without many preconceptions. Part of the effect of the initiation is the element of newness or surprise in it. 🔝

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25. Does a Freemason have to swear an oath of some kind?

During the initiation ceremony, the candidate solemnly promises to strive to lead a life according to Masonic ideals, to keep the secrets of Freemasonry, and to be faithful in all ways. This promise is made to the highest Reality in the universe and within oneself and is not in any way incompatible with one’s moral, social, or religious duties. 🔝

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26. Why is Freemasonry so concerned with symbols?

Freemasonry is a special system of symbols, with a particular purpose (self-improvement and service to others). Although we often are not consciously aware of them, we are surrounded by symbols; our lives are structured by symbols in almost every way. The ways we stand, walk, eat, shake hands, smile, sit, dress, and so on, are all symbolic. Human beings are a species that might be called Homo symbolicus. Freemasonry uses a particular set of symbols to express its ideas and ideals. 🔝

 

27. What special symbols are there in Freemasonry?

There are many symbols used in Freemasonry as teaching aids which are revealed to those who become Masons both during ceremonies and in training sessions with a senior Mason. 🔝

 

28. What does the motto under the logo mean?

The motto is Latin and means “From the East, Light.” But the “East” it speaks of is not a point on the compass or a part of the globe, any more than the “Light” it speaks of is a physical phenomenon of electromagnetic radiation. The “Light” of the motto refers to spiritual perception and understanding. Because the Sun rises in the east and from that direction casts its first radiance upon the earth, the east is associated with the origin of light. Symbolically, “East” is the source of the “Light” of spirit. It thus represents the place where we can expect to find spiritual perception and understanding. That place is not any location on the globe but is rather the source of all spiritual knowledge—ultimately, our own inmost reality and Self. 🔝

 

29. How is Co-Freemasonry organized?

The organization of Co-Freemasonry depends partly on the number and rank of Masons and

the country in which it is located. In some places, it is governed directly by the Supreme

Council, which oversees its workings. In other places, the governing body is a Grand Lodge,

which fills the same function with regard to Craft and some other Degrees. A Craft Lodge is

a local body consisting of seven or more Master Masons. The Lodges are the basis of all

Masonic work, and every Mason belongs to a Craft Lodge. At least three Master Masons can

also form a Triangle to do some Masonic work. 🔝

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30. How is a Lodge organized?

A Lodge has various officers, some of whom (such as the Secretary and Treasurer) have

primarily business functions. Others (such as two Wardens and two Deacons) have primarily

ritual functions. Yet others (such as the chairperson of the Lodge, called the Master) have

both business and ritual functions. The principal officers are elected and others are appointed

each year for a one-year term. 🔝

 

31. Is the government of a Lodge democratic or hierarchical?

It is democratic since officers are chosen and all business matters are decided by a majority

vote of all full-status members (Master Masons) of the Lodge. It is also hierarchical in that

the affairs of the Lodge are carried on by the various officers according to a clear system of

responsibilities and obligations. Masonic hierarchy is basically one of function, rather than of

inherent status, and mirrors the hierarchy we see everywhere in the universe. Because officers are elected, the hierarchy is also democratically based. 🔝

 

32. Are there differences of rank in Masonry?

In a Craft Lodge, there are three Degrees of membership: Entered Apprentice, which is the

the initial and introductory stage during which the new Freemason is learning about the Craft;

Fellowcraft, which is a more advanced stage of learning, when the member can participate in

certain ways, especially by joining in discussions; and Master Mason, which is the full-membership stage, whose members can vote and participate fully in all affairs of the Lodge.

The additional or higher degrees of the Scottish and York Rites are honored but convey no

additional authority or privileges within a Craft Lodge. 🔝

 

33. Who can become a Co-Freemason?

Any person, man or woman, can apply for admission who is of mature age (at least twenty-one years old), who is “free” (in this context meaning that they have no personal obligations

or limitations to prevent them from functioning as a Freemason), and who is of “good report”

(that is, who sympathizes with and is willing to try to live according to the ideals of Co-

Freemasonry). 🔝

 

34. How does one apply? Do you have to be invited?

No one is ever invited to become a Freemason. The principle is that you must yourself want

to become a Mason and initiate the process by asking about membership. Ask any Co-Freemason, who will put you in touch with the proper person, who in turn will provide you with an application form and the other information you need to begin the process. You are given some written questions to be answered, and you are interviewed separately by several Master Masons, who answer any questions you have and ask questions of interest to the Lodge. Your application is read at a meeting of the Lodge; and when it is acted upon favorably, you become a candidate for initiation. 🔝

 

35. How long does it take to become a Co-Mason?

The application process is a deliberate one, taking at least three months, depending on the time of year and other factors. After a person has been admitted as an Entered Apprentice, it usually takes a full year before they become a full-fledged Master Mason. Unlike some other Masonic Orders which give all three Degrees in one weekend, Co-Freemasonry believes that normally it is best to take the Degrees at a more considered pace so that the new Freemason has a chance to absorb the lessons and learn the principles of each Degree. 🔝

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36. How much does it cost to become a member?

Each Lodge has a one-time entrance fee plus the annual Lodge fee. It is regulated by the Lodge or the Administration of that country or area. In addition, each member contributes to the Bag of Charity at each meeting. Other expenses of the Lodge are collected in various manners from the members to help defray the costs of rent, furniture, and other items needed to carry on the work of the Lodge. 🔝

 

37. How often and where are meetings held?

The Eastern Order of International Co-Freemasonry currently has lodges in Argentina,

Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, India, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Spain, Ukraine and the United States. Others are in the process of forming. Most Lodges meet once a month in a rented space or their own building. Lodges may hold additional meetings for study or special occasions. 🔝

 

38. Where can I learn more about Freemasonry?

Many books have been published about Freemasonry. For anyone considering entering

Freemasonry, it is best not to read much material ahead of time about Masonic symbolism or

the rituals of the Order. Those things are better investigated after they have been experienced

firsthand. 🔝